Saudi Arabia: EU condemns Sri Lankan nanny's execution

Shock in Sri Lanka the day after the beheading of Nafeek

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, JANUARY 10 - The European Union has
expressed 'deep shock' at the execution of a young Sri Lankan
nanny in Saudia Arabia and has stressed its "strong opposition"
to the death penalty "in all cases and in all circumstances".

In Europe, as from various human rights associations,
"numerous requests" had been ignored for Rizana Nafeek's death
sentence to be commuted, according to EU High Representative for
Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton.
Ashton said that amongst other things it was very likely
that Nafeek was "underage" when the baby in her care died and
she was sentenced to death.
News of the beheading, which took place Wednesday in Riyadh,
has sparked a chorus of emotion in Sri Lanka where Parliament
observed a minute's silence in commemoration of Nafeek.

Numerous human rights groups had organised an international
campaign to pardon Nafeek.

Sri Lanka's government too, tried various diplomatic
channels. President Mahinda Rajapaksa intervened. And the Saudi
government last week made a promise to the Sri Lankan ambassador
in Riyahd to look into pleas for clemency.
A second appeal to put off the execution pending a deal to
compensate the family of the child was brought before Saudi
Arabia's King. And a special "reconciliation committee" was
created by the government to grant an out of court settlement.
Nafeek arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2005 where she worked for
a wealthy family. After only a few months the four month old
baby in her care choked to death while being fed from a bottle.
A day later Nafeek was arrested and accused of strangling
the baby after a dispute with the mother.

Nafeek allegedly made a confession which she said was given
under duress.
In 2007 a court found her guilty of murder and sentenced her
to be beheaded by sword.(ANSAmed).